Former footballer and Morley DJ bowling for gold

A Morley man is part of a duo who are hoping to win Commonwealth gold as bowlers in 2018.

The pair are former footballer, Andy Denton, and Ibiza DJ, Graham Poucher, who only started bowling less than two years ago but have now set themselves the goal of representing England in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Graham, 34, from Morley and Andy 39, from Wetherby, joined Leeds and District Indoor Bowls Club in late 2012 and began playing high level league bowls under their team name of the Sons of Drake.

They have already been selected for the county side to represent Leeds but sometimes face ridicule from people who think bowls is outdated.

Graham said: “At first when we tell people, they laugh. More at the sport, than our bid. But now we’re winning and progressing, there’s more support and people are even giving it a go themselves. It’s a great sport and we’re sure it’s about to roll into the limelight like others including darts and snooker.”

A serious knee injury halted Andy’s football career early on but he is still optimist about the duo’s chances in the bowels rink.

Andy said: “No-one thought we could bring the Tour to Yorkshire and many might think we don’t have a chance at making the Commonwealths, but if we continue to translate that success on to the rink, then we have every chance of a Hollywood ending.”

Graham said: “Our lives and work have taken us to some strange and exciting places, but nothing compares to representing your country.”